RESEARCH

My research on cutting

My master’s thesis – Initial Responses to Cutting by Front-Line Workers in Schools – investigated how high school teachers and other frontline workers dealing with students can respond effectively when they discover a student engaging in the self-harm behaviour known as cutting.

The first instinct of many people is to react with shock or disgust. While that is understandable, it can also have the effect of making the condition worse. It can trigger more cutting and discourage a student from seeking help.

The research revealed that the best way to respond to discovering a student is cutting is to:

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• show acceptance for the student;

• listen calmly, with a compassionate, non-judgmental attitude;

• let the student know you care;

• use the student's language for the self-harm.

If you want to learn more, you can find my full thesis here.

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